U.S. patent application number 10/598415 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-09 for system a method and an apparatus for performing wireless measurements, positioning and surface mapping by means of a portable coordinate system.
Invention is credited to Chaim Ash, Michael Kovtun, Lenny M. Novikov, Yuri G. Volodine.
Application Number | 20070182632 10/598415 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34910996 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070182632 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ash; Chaim ; et al. |
August 9, 2007 |
System a method and an apparatus for performing wireless
measurements, positioning and surface mapping by means of a
portable coordinate system
Abstract
The present invention is a new multifunctional low-cost solution
for performing measurements and positioning in construction sites
and automatically extracting a three-dimensional virtual model,
plans, elevations and sections drawings based on these
measurements. The preferred embodiment of the present invention
consists of a field beacon or a set of field beacons, spread around
the measured area, communicating by omnidirectional signals with at
least one central signal collector, which communicates with a
computer. Dedicated computer software performs the spatial
calculations and other applicable functions. The disclosed system
is used for laying out axes and columns at the beginning stage of
construction while ensuring the exact match of each mark to its
planned position, and for quality and exactitude control of
constructions or assembling. In addition the system may be used for
locating and tracking objects in a predefined area and automatic
directing of machinery to target points.
Inventors: |
Ash; Chaim; (Netanya,
IL) ; Volodine; Yuri G.; (Ramat-Gan, IL) ;
Novikov; Lenny M.; (Fair Lawn, NJ) ; Kovtun;
Michael; (Netanya, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLEIT KAIN GIBBONS GUTMAN BONGINI & BIANCO
21355 EAST DIXIE HIGHWAY
SUITE 115
MIAMI
FL
33180
US
|
Family ID: |
34910996 |
Appl. No.: |
10/598415 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
February 23, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL05/00219 |
371 Date: |
August 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60548278 |
Mar 1, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
342/463 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S 3/00 20130101; G01C
21/206 20130101; G01S 13/878 20130101; G01S 13/00 20130101; G01S
5/00 20130101; G01S 17/00 20130101; G01S 11/00 20130101; G01S 1/00
20130101; G01S 5/14 20130101; G01C 15/00 20130101; G01C 7/04
20130101; G01S 15/00 20130101; G01S 7/00 20130101; G01S 13/876
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
342/463 |
International
Class: |
G01S 3/02 20060101
G01S003/02 |
Claims
1. A wireless communication system for performing measurements and
positioning of objects in a given area, said system comprised of:
at least one field beacon positioned at a target object; a central
signal collector, comprised of at least three base beacons
assembled in a polygon design of known dimensions, wherein each
base beacon communicates with each of the field beacons; an
application software, wherein said software performs measurement
calculations based on communication signal characteristics between
the field beacons and the base beacons of the central
collector.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the measurements calculation
method is determined according to the geometrical shape of target
objects.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the geometrical shape is a
surface, including at least three beacons.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein the geometrical shape is an
opening, including at least three beacons.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the central signal collector
position is initialized by a GPS device.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the central signal collector
position is initialized by at least one field beacon applied to the
three reference points with known coordinates.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the central signal collector
position is initialized in relation to at least three non-coplanar
field beacons.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the field beacons are positioned
at different spaces within a building wherein the central signal
collector is moved sequentially from one space to another for each
measurement session.
9. The system of claim 1 further including an additional central
signal collector for increasing measurement accuracy and for
expanding the range of communication reception.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the field beacons communicate
with each other, enabling the creation of ad hoc signal collectors
for improving measurements calculation accuracy and for expanding
the range of communication reception.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein at least three field beacons
function as a relay station enabling communication between
distanced beacons which are not in the communication range of the
central collector.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein the field beacons and the base
beacons communicate through RF signals wherein the distance
measurements are based on RF signal properties.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the field beacons and the base
beacons communicate through ultrasonic signals, wherein the
distance measurements are based on the signals' time
properties.
14. The system of claim 1 wherein the field beacons and the base
beacons communicate through laser signals, wherein the field
beacons are bar-coded and the central signal device is a laser
scanner.
15. The system of claim 1 wherein the measurement calculations are
used for generating computerized drawings of a target
structure.
16. The system of claim 1 wherein the measurement calculations are
used for surveying an existing structure for the purpose of
creating as-built drawings.
17. The system of claim 1 wherein the measurement calculations are
used for surveying surroundings before construction, wherein the
field beacons are positioned at strategic locations, enabling the
determination of the topographic relations between the beacons.
18. The system of claim 1 wherein the measurement calculations are
used for surveying surroundings under construction, wherein the
field beacons are positioned at strategic locations, enabling the
comparison between on-location positioning and construction
designs.
19. The system of claim 1 wherein field beacons are embedded into
building for future maintenance or monitoring use.
20. The system of claim 1 wherein the central collector's base
beacons are set at permanent positions within a building, enabling
the identification of objects' exact position and objects' movement
within the building, wherein at least one field beacon is
positioned on every identified object.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein the exact position or movement
of the identified objects is incorporated within a
three-dimensional visual model of the building.
22. The system of claim 20 wherein the objects are inventory items
and the measurements calculation supports warehouse inventory
management.
23. The system of claim 1 further including three field beacon
triangle structure which is connected to a pointing telescopic rod
of a known length enabling to measure any target point.
24. The system of claim 1 including three field beacon triangle
structure which is connected to a laser-based distance measuring
device to measure any target point.
25. A wireless method for performing measurements and positioning
of objects in a given area using at least one field beacon
positioned at a target object and a central signal collector
comprised of at least three base beacons assembled in a polygon
design of known dimensions, said method comprising the steps of:
establishing communication between each of the base beacons and
each of the field beacons; performing measurement calculations
based on communication signal characteristics between the field
beacons and the base beacons of the central collector.
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of
initializing the central signal collector by at least one field
beacon which is applied to three reference points with known
coordinates.
27. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of
initializing the central signal collector in relation to at least
three non-coplanar field beacons.
28. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of
initializing the central signal collector using a GPS device.
29. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of
communication between the field beacons themselves, enabling the
creation of ad hoc signal collectors for improving measurements
calculation accuracy and for expanding the range of communication
reception.
30. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of relaying
communication by the field beacons enabling communication between
distanced beacons which are not in the communication range of the
central collector.
31. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of
generating computerized drawings of a target structure based on the
measurement calculations.
32. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of surveying
an existing structure for the purpose of creating as-built drawings
based on the measurement calculations.
33. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of surveying
surroundings before construction based on the measurement
calculations, wherein the field beacons are positioned at strategic
locations, enabling the determination of the topographic relations
between the beacons.
34. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of surveying
surroundings under construction based on the measurement
calculations, wherein the field beacons are positioned at strategic
locations, enabling the comparison between on-location positioning
and construction designs.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates in general to performing
distance measurement to target points, surfaces mapping by a
minimum number of points for surface definition and positioning of
target points by wireless means using a portable coordinate system
and a PC. It is also related to automatic generation of as-built
drawings, to marking positions in relation to an existing computer
drawing, construction quality control, three dimensional virtual
modeling, object location and the like.
[0002] Prior art for performing wireless measurements is based on
laser-optical or laser scanning devices. The laser scanning devices
perform vertical and horizontal scanning on a tight grid in order
to determine the three dimensional positions of surfaces in their
immediate surroundings. U.S. Pat. No. 6,781,683, for instance,
discloses such a device. The patent describes a method for
operating a laser scanning system. The laser scanning system can be
used in construction projects to generate a field survey which may
later be used by an architect or engineer to create construction
drawings. In addition, relevant points from the construction
drawings can be identified at the construction site with the
scanning system. The main drawback of such systems is that they
must rely on existing drawings and may not generate computerized
three-dimensional drawings of the scanned objects and
surroundings.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,246,468 overcomes this shortcoming. It is an
integrated system which generates a model of three-dimensional
objects. A scanning laser device scans the three-dimensional
objects and generates a point cloud whereas each point indicates a
location of a corresponding point on a surface of the objects.
According to this point cloud a model is generated representing
constituent geometric shapes of the objects. A data file is than
generated, responsive to that model, which can be inputted to a
computerized design system.
[0004] Although this system can produce computerized
three-dimensional drawings of the scanned objects, it still has
several limitations. Since laser based systems may only scan
objects in their line of sight any interfering obstacle between the
scanning device and the measured surfaces prevent them from
achieving correct measurements. In addition, this is a highly
complex system, which demands extensive computing resources.
[0005] It is therefore the purpose of the present invention to
provide efficient and cost effective means for accurately
performing wireless measurements in diverse environments, and which
may automatically produce as-built three-dimensional computerized
models and drawings (plans, sections and elevations).
[0006] It is yet another purpose of the present invention to
provide wireless positioning means. Known in the art are several
means for finding the location of an item or a person relying on
radio frequency (RF) communication using RF identification (RFID)
tags. Such systems are used in warehouses for keeping track of
inventory and in large facilities for locating equipment and staff.
Usually these systems determine the approximate position of a tag
or may give indication as for the existence of a tag in an enclosed
space, such as a room. In addition, most often these systems
calculate the position of an object based on information about its
previous location.
[0007] While these systems may provide a sufficient level of
precision for their purposes, there is sometimes a need for a means
which can determine the position of an item with greater precision.
U.S. patent application no. 20040203846 provides such a solution.
One embodiment of this patent application includes a collection of
wall-mounted antennas. The item's location is calculated by
gathering the phase difference or other timing information of
signal generated by the signal transmitting device on the entity.
This location information is then given to end user
applications.
[0008] Although this patent application provides a solution for
accurately determining the position of an item in a given enclosed
space, such as a room, it relies on positioning the signal
gathering devices on three different walls in that room. This
system lacks the flexibility and portability sometime needed. There
is therefore a need for a means for calculating the precise
location of an item without relying on previous information. In
addition the means should have sufficient flexibility so it may
provide these capabilities while being able to operate in different
surroundings and environments.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present invention discloses a wireless communication
system for performing measurements and positioning of objects in a
given area. The system is comprised of at least one field beacon
positioned at a target object, a central signal collector, made of
at least three base beacons assembled in a polygon design of known
dimensions, wherein each base beacon communicates with each of the
field beacons, and an application software, wherein said software
performs measurement calculations based on communication signal
characteristics between the field beacons and the base beacons of
the central collector. The system utilizes a measurements
calculation method which is determined according to the geometrical
shape of target objects. According to this measurement system the
geometrical shape of a surface or of an opening is measured using
at least three beacons.
[0010] The coordinates of the central signal collector may be
determined on initialization using a GPS device, applying a field
beacon to the three reference points with known coordinates, or in
relation to at least three non-coplanar field beacons.
[0011] In order to perform measurements in a building, the field
beacons can be positioned at different spaces within a building and
the central signal collector is then moved sequentially from one
space to another for each measurement session. An additional
central signal collector may be used to increase measurement
accuracy and for expanding the range of communication
reception.
[0012] In one of the system's embodiments the field beacons can
communicate with each other, enabling the creation of ad hoc signal
collectors. This allows for improved measurements calculation
accuracy and for expanding the range of communication. According to
this embodiment at least three field beacons function as a relay
station enabling communication between distanced beacons which are
not in the communication range of the central collector. There are
several communication methods which may be used to perform the
communication and the measurements according to the present
invention. The system field beacons and the base beacons may
communicate using RF signals, in which case the distance
measurements are based on RF signal properties. Communication may
be performed using ultrasonic signals, wherein the distance
measurements are based on the signals' time properties. Finally,
the base beacons may communicate with the field beacons through
laser signals, wherein the field beacons are bar-coded and the
central signal device is a laser scanner.
[0013] The measurement calculations may be used for generating
computerized drawings of a target structure. For example, the
calculations may be used for surveying an existing structure for
the purpose of creating as-built drawings, or, alternatively,
measurement may be used for surveying surroundings before
construction, wherein the field beacons are positioned at strategic
locations, enabling the determination of the topographic relations
between the beacons, or surveying surroundings under construction,
wherein the field beacons are positioned at strategic locations,
enabling the comparison between on-location positioning and
construction designs.
[0014] The field beacons may be embedded into building for future
maintenance or monitoring use. In this embodiment central
collector's base beacons are set at permanent positions within a
building, enabling the identification the exact position of
objects' and of objects' movement within the building, provided
that at least one field beacon is positioned on every identified
object. The exact position or movement of the identified objects is
incorporated within a three-dimensional visual model of the
building. This embodiment may be used, for instance, to support a
warehouse inventory management system, whereas the measured objects
are inventory items.
[0015] The disclosed system may also include a three field beacon
triangle structure which is connected to a pointing telescopic rod
of a known length or to a laser-based distance measuring device
enabling to measure any target point.
[0016] The disclosed invention also includes a wireless method for
performing measurements and positioning of objects in a given area
using at least one field beacon positioned at a target object and a
central signal collector comprised of at least three base beacons
assembled in a polygon design of known dimensions. This method is
comprised of establishing communication between each of the base
beacons and each of the field beacons, and performing measurement
calculations based on communication signal characteristics between
the field beacons and the base beacons of the central collector.
According to this method the central signal collector is
initialized by applying field beacons to three reference points
with known coordinates. Alternatively, the central signal collector
is initialized in relation to at least three non-coplanar field
beacons, or using a GPS device.
[0017] As mentioned above, the method may also include the field
beacons' ability to communicate with the other field beacons,
enabling the creation of ad hoc signal collectors for improving
measurements calculation accuracy and for expanding the range of
communication reception. In this embodiment several beacons may
perform as relay stations in order to enable communication between
distanced beacons which are not in the communication range of the
central collector.
[0018] Based on the measurement calculations, computerized drawings
of a target structure may be generated. As-built drawings can be
created when an existing structure is surveyed. Additionally,
topographic relations of surroundings may be surveyed before
construction. In this case the field beacons are positioned at
strategic locations, enabling the determining of the position of
each point in the given area. An additional use of the present
invention allows for surveying surroundings which are under
construction. The field beacons, which are positioned at strategic
locations, enable performing comparisons between on-location
positioning and construction designs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] These and further features and advantages of the invention
will become more clearly understood in the light of the ensuing
description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein
[0020] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the central collector in
accordance with the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the central collector's method
of marker positioning in accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the present invention method of
operation in a construction site.
[0023] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a three beacons apparatus for
performing sequential measurements.
DESCRIPTION
[0024] The present invention is a new multifunctional low-cost
solution for performing measurements and positioning in
construction sites and automatically extracting a three-dimensional
virtual model, plans, elevations and sections drawings based on
these measurements. The preferred embodiment of the present
invention consists of a field beacon or a set of field beacons,
spread around the measured construction, communicating by
omnidirectional signals with at least one central signal collector,
which communicates with a computer. Dedicated computer software
performs the spatial calculations and other applicable
functions.
[0025] The structure of the central collector is illustrated in
FIG. 1. It comprises three beacons 101, 102, 103, henceforth called
base beacons, which are positioned at predetermined distances A, B,
C apart from each other, forming a triangle. The central collector
100 is in turn connected to a computer. The central collector may
include additional base beacons. Alternatively, two or more central
collectors may be used to increase level of precision and
flexibility.
[0026] In order to perform a measurement, an additional beacon--a
field beacon--is attached to the measured object and communicates
with the central collector. As illustrated in FIG. 2 the field
beacon 200 establishes a bidirectional signal exchange session with
the three base beacons 101, 102, 103 of the central collector 100.
The exact position of the field beacon 200 is determined using a
simple geometric calculation: field beacon 200 is defined as the
vertex of a triangle pyramid in which the three base beacons 101,
102, 103 of the central signal collector 100 are the pyramid's
base. Each field beacon 200 placed on a target defines a single
point.
[0027] In order to define various three-dimensional shapes, the
field beacon has to be applied in several points. For each type of
geometrically defined surface or shape a minimal number of measured
points are needed. Alternatively, a number of field beacons may be
used to perform this function. This manner of operation enables the
system to efficiently perform measurements while not having to rely
on existing drawings of the measured spaces, since knowing the type
of measurement which is performed drastically reduces the amount of
measurements needed, while at the same time the types of
measurements are defined in general terms and do not rely on a
priory data from the specific measured site. Knowing that the
measured object is a flat surface, for instance, allows the system
to settle for only three individual measurements on that surface.
The system can then extrapolate the exact position of that surface
in space reference to the central signal collector. Once an
additional surface in the same space is measured the system
automatically finds their intersecting line (unless, of course,
they are parallel to each other). Measuring a third surface
automatically defines its lines of intersection with the first two
surfaces and the comer in which the three surfaces meet.
[0028] Field beacons may therefore be grouped in one of several
group types: as surface defining beacons, as opening defining
beacons and as distance defining beacons. For defining a surface
beacons are grouped in groups of three (for defining a flat
surface) or more (for defining a curved surface); for defining an
opening beacons are grouped in groups of three (for triangular
openings), four (for square openings) or more (for other shapes of
openings); and pairs of beacons are used for measuring
distances.
[0029] The field beacons may be grouped by software or hardware
means. Grouping beacons by hardware means may be achieved by having
sets of field beacons connected to each other for the purpose of
executing a specific type of measurement, e.g. a triangle of three
connected field beacons which are set in known distances may be
used for measuring flat surfaces. The software grouping enables
performing the measurements by a single field beacon.
[0030] An example of the method of operation of the present
invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. The field beacons FB1-FB14 are
placed at different positions in the measured construction; the
three types of field beacons are demonstrated. In order to define
faces A, B, and C three groups of beacons containing three beacons
each are defined: beacons FB1, FB2 and FB3 for defining face A;
beacons FB4, FB5 and FB6 for defining face B; and beacons FB7, FB8
and FB9 for defining face C. A single beacon FB10 is sufficient for
defining face D (ceiling surface) since it is parallel to the
previously defined face C (floor surface). Beacons FB11, FB12, FB13
and FB14 are placed at the comers of window W1 and are defined as
opening defining beacons.
[0031] Knowing the position and the group type of each field beacon
allows the computer to accurately calculate the structure of the
target construction. Knowing the position of faces A and B allows
finding the line of intersection and the intersection of this line
with the surface of the floor C. This would give the position of
corner a. The same is then done with the surface of the ceiling in
order to find comer b. The computer can then accurately build a
three dimensional virtual models, plans, elevations and sections
drawings of the measured construction.
[0032] Once the field beacons are installed on the target points
and the target surfaces, the field beacons are initialized and
start to communicate with the three base beacons of the central
collector. Every field beacon communicates with each of the three
base beacons. The signal transmission parameters information, the
affiliation of the field beacon to a specific group, and the
identification of every field beacon is coded and sent from each
field beacon to the three base beacons.
[0033] For each field beacon the computer collects the distances
measured between it and the three base beacons. The position of the
central signal collector may be initialized according to the world
coordinate system using a Global Positioning System (GPS) device,
which may be integrated into the central collector. Its position
may also be defined in relation to four non-coplanar field beacons
and create a temporary coordinate system. Alternatively, its
position may be defined in relation to the three field beacons
applied to the reference points with known geodesic coordinates.
Based on this coordinate system the computer can then determine the
exact spatial position of each field beacon.
[0034] Another method for performing the measurements in accordance
with the present invention is by using an apparatus such as is
illustrated in FIG. 4. The apparatus 400 is comprised of three
field beacons 401, 402, 403 which are fixed at the vertexes of a
triangle 400. Also attached to the triangle 400 is a rod 410 which
may be fixed in length or telescopic. The pointed tip 430 of rod
410 allows performing highly exact measurements and overcoming
measurements errors such as parallax: the sheer size of the beacon
might impede it from providing highly exact measurements of certain
locations such as corners. Since tip 430 is at a known distance
from triangle 400, its position in space may be easily calculated
based on data from beacons 401, 402 and 403. The triangle 400 may
then be used to perform measurements of flat surfaces, and the tip
430 is used to perform measurements of the positions of points,
such as the corners of an opening.
[0035] The apparatus 400 may also make use of a laser beam instead
of rod 410. The apparatus 400 may then include a laser-based
distance measuring device. The exact position of the target point
is measured by marking it with the laser beam. The laser-based
distance measuring device on apparatus 400 provides the exact
distance between the apparatus and the target point and the three
field beacons 401, 402 and 403 of the apparatus provide the
necessary data to provide the target point's coordinates.
[0036] Provided that field beacons are set in place in every room
on every surface and opening in a building, there are two main
manners in which the mapping of the entire building may be
performed. First, the central signal collector may be moved
sequentially from one room to the next and collect the data from
the field beacons. In this case whenever the central collector is
moved, its new location needs to be initialized in relation to its
previous location or in relation to the global positioning
coordinates. Alternatively, as mentioned above, two central
collectors may be used and communicate with each other to increase
precision and expand the range of communication reception. In such
cases one central collector may be moved and its new position is
then determined with the aid of the second central collector.
[0037] An additional embodiment of the present invention may
include field beacons which can communicate with each other and not
just with the central collector. In this embodiment the three or
more field beacons create an ad hoc signal collector in which the
exact location of every field beacon is accurately measured. A
single central collector may be used in this embodiment to collect
the information not only from field beacons in its proximity which
can communicate with it directly, but also with distant field
beacons which are out of its reception range. In this case field
beacons, which are positioned between the distant field beacons and
the central collector, may perform as relay stations.
[0038] The communication means of the present invention include
four embodiments. According to the first communication embodiment
the beacon communicate via RF means. In this embodiment the
distance measurement is performed using interpretation of the RF
signal properties (frequency, phase, amplitude, etc.), the signal
delay or a combination thereof. The RF field beacons may also be
passive and only respond to enquiry pulses from the central
collector. In the second embodiment of the communication means of
the invention the communication between the beacons is performed by
ultrasonic means. In this case all field beacons are active and
distance and directional analysis rely on the signal's time
properties. The third embodiment is based on a combination of the
first two communication means. The fourth embodiment operates by
means of laser scanners. In this case the field beacons are
bar-coded and the central collector is a laser scanner. The field
beacons in this instance are all passive and the central collector
spots them by performing a minimal amount of scanning. In all four
embodiments the time and direction analysis are performed in
standard manners, which are known to people who are skilled in the
art.
[0039] Although the above specified example focuses on performing
measurements and generating computerized drawings of an existing
structure, the disclosed invention may also be used for
measurements and positioning in general. The system may be used,
for instance, for surveying surroundings, which are not
constructed. In such cases the field beacons are placed in
strategic locations for the purpose of collecting data about their
exact position and for determining the topographic relations
between them. The invention may also be used during construction as
a means for measuring distances, determining positions and for
quality control of the construction. Since the system may have
access to the drawing of the construction design, a real-time
on-location position marking and distances comparison may be
performed. The system may communicate with traditional survey
instrument such as theodolites, total stations, etc. and
automatically integrate their data or set their position. In
addition, during the construction phase passive RF field beacons
may be embedded into the walls for future use.
[0040] Once it is embedded into a building additional applications
of the system may be implemented. The system may be used, for
instance, for security needs. Since it can accurately determine the
position of every element which holds one of its field beacons, and
any change in the field beacons' position may be detected in
real-time, the system can easily determine whenever a door or a
window are opened, or when any other stationary items, such as
chairs and tables, are moved. The system may also be used for
detecting breaches in security, associated misplaced items. Field
beacons may, for example, be discreetly attached to files
containing sensitive information; any unauthorized dislocation of
those files, can be discovered in real-time.
[0041] Other applications of the present invention include a
locating system which may track and locate different items inside
the building. An identification-coded field beacon can be attached
to every object and person which needs to be traced in the
facility. The tag can then constantly communicate with base beacons
in its vicinity and its exact location can then be determined at
every point in time. The system's user interface may pinpoint the
tag on a three-dimensional virtual model of the facility. This
application may be used for keeping track of inventory in
warehouses, of equipment in hospitals, of workers and visitors on
big facilities, etc.
[0042] While the above description contains much specificity, these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as exemplifications of the preferred
embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other possible
variations that are within its scope. Accordingly, the scope of the
invention should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated,
but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *